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TL;DR: Cannot find the top screw on the heater core cover on a 92 Firebird
Hey all, I know theres a few other heater core threads, but from what I can see its mostly stuff on the early 80s models, and from what I've read its different on the later models. As the title says, I have a 92, and so far its been a real PITA trying to get the cover for the heater core off. I've already done a bypass hose for it so I can at least drive for now (it's my only car), but I would like to be able to pull it out and see if I can save the core before winter rolls around. Now, of course its the top screw thats giving me problems, and so far I haven't even been able to see where it is. I'm attaching a picture of my mostly dissassembled passenger side dash in hopes that someone can point out where the screw should be? I'm also wondering if anyone could tell me what that silver box below the map bag is, and if it would be safe to remove that/ if it would give me access to the top screw. ALSO managed to drop my only 7mm down the windshield defrost vent while attempting to remove the dash pad, so I need to figure out a way to retrieve that as well Sorry for the long winded post, and sorry if this should be in a different forum instead of interior.
I did my heater core this past spring, not a lot of fun but do-able. To reach that top bolt I needed 2 extensions for my ratchet. With 2 you can reach the bolt from the front just barely. I did notice you left that box that you were asking about in place, I would remove the bracket and with that gone you should be able to reach the top bolt with the 2 extensions. It should be almost a straight shot but if you can get your hand in there to find it and guide the socket that works too.
I did notice you left that box that you were asking about in place, I would remove the bracket and with that gone you should be able to reach the top bolt with the 2 extensions. It should be almost a straight shot but if you can get your hand in there to find it and guide the socket that works too.
Awesome, thanks!!! Just went out, turns out the extension I got at the hardware store was the perfect length to get that, just had to remove the box. Thanks a bunch!
Last edited by LLCooLM495; Oct 6, 2020 at 07:58 PM.
No problem, the Firebirds seem to be easier than the camaro for this job because of the dash design. Once you get the last bolt you will be smooth sailing. Worst part of the job for me was getting the heater hoses out and your already there. Just be careful on the reinstall of new core and don’t beat the pipes up much trying to line it back up through the firewall.
Are you fixing the old core or going with a new one? If new just stay away from the ones with moveable pipes, it’s just a leak waiting to happen. I’ve heard decent things about the aluminum Spectra replacement and you can still find new old replacement stock brass ones on eBay(that’s what I did).
When installing the new core, it can be a pain to get the two pipes through the holes. A easy way to get them through is to attach a small section of hose to the core first and feed them through the holes. Another thing I've done was to put an extension in the pipes and slide them through. Hope that helps.
No problem, the Firebirds seem to be easier than the camaro for this job because of the dash design. Once you get the last bolt you will be smooth sailing. Worst part of the job for me was getting the heater hoses out and your already there. Just be careful on the reinstall of new core and don’t beat the pipes up much trying to line it back up through the firewall.
Are you fixing the old core or going with a new one? If new just stay away from the ones with moveable pipes, it’s just a leak waiting to happen. I’ve heard decent things about the aluminum Spectra replacement and you can still find new old replacement stock brass ones on eBay(that’s what I did).
Yeah, after I unbolted that bracket, it was a straight shot to the top bolt, just needed a long extension. Core is now out though, gonna try to find where the leak (or leaks) are and see if I can solder it up. I'll try to take it to a radiator repair shop if the leak isn't just on one of the end tanks or the input/ output tubes. NOS core isn't a bad idea though, I'll see if I can find one. Thanks!
When installing the new core, it can be a pain to get the two pipes through the holes. A easy way to get them through is to attach a small section of hose to the core first and feed them through the holes. Another thing I've done was to put an extension in the pipes and slide them through. Hope that helps.
Right on, I appreciate the tip! I have some spare hose from when I made the bypass, so that will be totally doable
Yeah, getting the old hoses off was a real pain. Thankfully I'd done that about a week earlier when I ran the bypass hose, but I'd say that certainly took longer to do than removing the core itself (mainly because I didn't have channel locks on campus with me and had to have my roommate drive me to the hardware store to buy some ).
In other news, I was actually able to find a radiator shop near my school, so I'll be taking the core in as soon as I have free time so they can take a look at it. I filled it with water and wasn't able to find any obvious leaks, so I'm not quite sure where the issue is. Before I removed it it had started spewing smoke through the vents, so I know there has to be a leak SOMEWHERE on it. I'll leave the diagnosis up to the people who know what they're doing though
Last edited by LLCooLM495; Oct 8, 2020 at 01:00 PM.
Reason: Talking about getting core refurbished
Sorry for the long winded post, and sorry if this should be in a different forum instead of interior. 
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